Empty is not usually a word that inspires hope. Nor is it a word that we normally associate with something good. An empty cookie jar, an empty fuel tank, an empty head, or an empty stomach are not usually situations that we celebrate. In fact, most of us go out of our way and do whatever we must to avoid emptiness. Today, however, it is emptiness that causes our celebration, that inspires our hope, and that ensures for us the fullness of life.

            Jesus bruised and broken, laid in a new tomb, is no longer there. The One who was thought to be imprisoned by death and safely confined by the stone that blocked the tomb has escaped. What is left is an empty tomb that does indeed inspire hope. Hope for the fullness of life, hope for an end to suffering, hope for holiness, and hope that where Jesus has gone, we may follow.

            As Easter people we do not ignore Good Friday, we do not fear the tomb, we do not avoid our crosses, instead because of the empty tomb we rejoice. The empty tomb reveals to us the power of Jesus to overcome the chains that bind us, the burdens that overwhelm us, and the sin that prevents us from becoming holy. As Easter people we see the empty tomb not just as a hole in the wall but as a portal to holiness, to extraordinariness, to eternal citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.

            Our response to the empty tomb is joy. We are joyful that the way to holiness has been opened for us. We are joyful because our own suffering has become a way for us to unite ourselves more intimately with Jesus. We rejoice because what was once thought to be an end has become a new beginning. We rejoice because by the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus we have been saved and restored to the dignity that was ours before the fall of Adam and Eve.

            Not only do we rejoice, but we are also inspired by the empty tomb to, with our words and our deeds, proclaim the good news of salvation. Proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand, we feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Proclaiming the tomb empty we seek forgiveness, and we are merciful. Proclaiming salvation and the fulfillment of our hope we preserve and protect the gift of life in every circumstance. We ultimately accept the invitation of Jesus to follow him and joyfully and generously continue every good work that he began during his time on this earth.

            Normally we are uninspired by emptiness but at Easter, because of the empty tomb of Jesus, because we have been set free from ordinariness and mortality, we once again sing alleluia! We once again give thanks for the freedom to live life as we ought. We are grateful for the abundance of grace and love that poured out of the tomb as Jesus overcame the stench and sting of death. Our Easter celebration, while symbolized by and empty tomb, is actually our festival of abundance. Abundant love! Abundant life! Abundant joy!

            The tomb is empty, we are set free, our hope is fulfilled, our faith becomes our reality. Jesus Christ has accomplished our salvation and we rejoice and give thanks that because of the empty tomb we are assured of the fullness of life.

Jesus Christ is risen, Alleluia! Alleluia! He is truly Risen, Alleluia! Alleluia!